All specialist contractors must have this licence (in NSW, issued by the NSW Government Office of Fair Trading) to perform work.
This licence is issued to protect you against unscrupulous and incompetent tradespersons.
To obtain it, plumbers must complete an exacting TAFE course plus comprehensive practical training and supervised on‑the‑job experience.
Ask them how they charge
Most disputes involving plumbers and their clients are caused by a misunderstanding surrounding the bill. Ask the following questions to ensure you understand just what you will pay for.
Is it an hourly rate?
Is there a travelling charge?
Is there a minimum call out charge? (eg. set charge for the first hour or part thereof)
Is there a separate service fee?
Is the quote fixed or is it subject to change?
How long is the job expected to take and how many tradespeople might be involved?
If the job is to take place outside normal working hours will there be a higher hourly charge?
The Tradesperson 
